A sustainable fashion brand founded on a tropical island has chosen Destin as its gateway to the American market, opening its first U.S. retail location at Destin Commons on Friday.
- EKKO, founded in 2013 in Sri Lanka, celebrated the opening of its 3,000-square-foot store with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. The first 100 guests received special gifts during the grand opening celebration.
The lifestyle fashion brand for men and women simultaneously launched its online shopping platform here, allowing customers across the country to purchase products and have them shipped directly to their homes.
The store is owned by Lalantha Watudura, his wife Erosha Watudura and their daughter Induni Watudura. Lalantha established EKKO after decades in the global fashion industry, starting his career in 1990 and creating ELH: Trusted Global Apparel Sourcing Partner in 2001. His exposure to fashion began in childhood through his mother’s Batik and Handloom business.
“We believe our consistency in quality, workmanship, and close attention to detail are the key ingredients in our philosophy,” Lalantha said. “Empowering innovation, design, and ethical sourcing with complete traceability is our way of creating products that provide the ultimate value and customer satisfaction.”
The company operates with 175 employees across locations in India, Madagascar and Sri Lanka. Lalantha has created working conditions that exceed industry standards, providing factory employees with free breakfast and transportation, on-site medical assistance, higher-than-market-rate salaries and a Monday through Friday work schedule instead of the typical Monday through Saturday schedule.
- “We’re committed to uplifting the livelihoods of all our employees, all the way to the factory level of sewing machine operators and laborers,” Lalantha said. “More than just the clothing, our designs are pathways — ethically made to support, train, and empower individuals from under-resourced communities, turning every piece into a story of positive impact.”
EKKO’s product line includes men’s and women’s casual and formal tops, dresses, shorts, pants, cardigans, jumpsuits, rompers, denim and t-shirts. The brand also offers accessories including 100% natural raffia handbags made in Madagascar and linen blend patchwork totes created from upcycled fabric pieces.
The Destin location features a limited line of exclusive homeware items made from natural raffia in Madagascar.
The Watudura’s selected Destin for the brand’s U.S. debut due to the area’s year-round tropical climate, which aligns with the brand’s lightweight and breathable fabric choices. The location also capitalizes on Destin’s status as a heavily trafficked tourist destination in the Southeast, drawing visitors from across the country.
“We’re thrilled to welcome EKKO to Destin Commons,” said David Sweetman, associate general manager of Destin Commons. “Their commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and global style aligns perfectly with our vision of offering unique, world-class brands to our visitors.”
EKKO received recognition in 2015 as Best Brand of the Industry at the inaugural Mercedes-Benz Fashion and Apparel Awards ceremony in Sri Lanka. The brand caters to individuals seeking confidence, class and comfort in their clothing choices.
Destin Commons, located at 4100 Legendary Drive, attracts approximately 6 million visitors annually to the premier open-air shopping center on the Emerald Coast.
